Lacquer spray can set

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a lacquer spray can set for producing an imitation leather surface. The lacquer spray can set comprises a first spray can containing a priming lacquer, a second spray can containing an effect lacquer forming a grain structure, and a third spray can containing a leather color lacquer. The priming lacquer and the effect lacquer in the dry state show a different tendency to coloration (different color absorption power) with respect to the leather color lacquer.

The present invention relates to a lacquer spray can set for producing an imitation leather surface.

DE 102 22 116 discloses a method for producing an imitation leather surface. A grain structure for imitating a leather surface is there produced with the help of an intermediate layer on a priming layer, the intermediate layer effecting the formation of cracks. To achieve different shades and thus natural leather optics, a fine color matching between priming hue and intermediate layer hue is mainly employed. Depending on the application amount of the cover layer, this fine color difference shows through, thereby improving leather optics.

This method has turned out to be very useful and offers a very wide range of different applications. This method, however, partly requires still considerable know-how. That is why the use of this method has mainly been reserved for industrial application purposes.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a system for producing an imitation leather surface that can also be used in the craftsman and do-it-yourself sector.

To this end a lacquer spray can set is provided according to the invention for producing an imitation leather surface, the set comprising a first spray can containing a priming lacquer, a second spray can containing an effect lacquer forming a grain structure, and a third spray can containing a leather color lacquer, the priming lacquer and the effect lacquer in the dry state showing a different coloration tendency (or different color absorption power) with respect to the leather color lacquer.

Due to the different coloration tendency of priming lacquer and effect lacquer the subsequently applied leather color lacquer seems to be brighter or darker either on the one or on the other lacquer layer, whereby the leather optics are improved. Despite the substantially equally applied color amount per unit area the leather color lacquer on the priming lacquer or on the effect lacquer has a slightly different shade due to the different tendency to coloration. This effect, which takes place automatically, demands less know-how from the user than the known method. Moreover, such an imitation leather surface can be applied for the first time on the basis of a three-part lacquer spray can set, whereby the use is simplified considerably and thus made available to the craftsman and do-it-yourself sector.

When according to one variant the priming lacquer in the dry state has a greater tendency to coloration with respect to the leather color lacquer than the effect lacquer, an improved optical effect can be achieved with respect to depth structure. The cracks of the grain structure then seem to be darker than the elevated lands of the effect lacquer layer.

Inversely, it is also possible according to one variant that the effect lacquer in the dry state has a greater tendency to coloration with respect to the leather color lacquer than the priming lacquer. As a result, the depth effect which is typical of specific types of leather is not so strong.

Advantageously, the priming lacquer or the effect lacquer may contain silicic acid, especially precipitated silicic acid. During drying of the lacquer the silicic acid effects the formation of a sponge-like structure, whereby the suction tendency or the absorption capacity is increased for the sprayed-on leather color lacquer. The lacquer containing the silicic acid thereby yields a lacquer layer which absorbs the leather color lacquer to a greater degree. Purely optically speaking, this fact has the effect that these portions are less dyed with the same amount of leather color lacquer per unit area than portions with improved color absorption characteristics. Apart from the different tendency to coloration, the sponge-like structure also has the effect that despite the use of the same leather color lacquer the gloss of said layer differs from the gloss of the respectively other layer with the greater tendency to coloration. It is the interaction of these effects that leads to an excellent overall impression and an imitation leather surface with a genuine look.

According to a further embodiment the priming lacquer and the effect lacquer may have the same color pigments of an identical color. Although it is in principle possible to exert a considerable influence on the later appearance of the imitation leather surface by selecting different colors in the priming lacquer and the effect lacquer, this configuration intends to reduce the number of influencing factors, so that less flaws will arise during application. The user will then just influence the intensity of the coloration with the help of the leather color lacquer application whereas the differences in the tendency to coloration of priming lacquer layer and effect lacquer layer are influenced over a wide range by the different color absorption characteristics.

To achieve a layer structure of a quality that is as high as possible, the priming lacquer and/or the effect lacquer comprise the following constituents in one variant:

acrylate as binder,

esters and ketones as solvents, and

inorganic pigments for coloration.

Moreover, the priming lacquer may comprise 30-40% by wt. of solids. The solids in the priming lacquer also ensure, inter alia, a better tendency to coloration (or decreased color absorption power). Moreover, the contrast behavior in color depth and glossiness is influenced thereby.

The leather color lacquer may comprise the following constituents:

nitrocellulose as binder,

esters and ketones as solvents, and

soluble dyes for coloration.

To produce a spray image that is as fine as possible, dimethyl ether may be used as propellant (gas). Dimethyl ether (DME) is soluble in the three lacquer systems and, as has been mentioned, it is therefore also responsible for the fine spray image.

Preferably, the propellant/lacquer ratio may be 40/60-50/50% by wt., preferably 44/56-46/54% by wt. The selection of this ratio achieves optimum discharge amounts for the intended use. Likewise, the amount of propellant together with the respective lacquers ensures a maximum exploitation of the filling capacity.

To obtain a spray image comparable to a cup spray gun, at least one of the spray cans may comprise an area spray head for producing a fan-like spray jet. The so-called fan-like spray jet ensures a simple and very uniform lacquer application. In comparison therewith, conventional lacquer spray heads show a conical spray image which may lead to irregular application thicknesses.

According to a further configuration the area spray head is provided with an adjusting means for adjusting the fan-like spray jet. The fan-like spray jet can thereby be pivoted, e.g. by 90°, to adapt the personal spray behavior to the geometry of the surface to be coated.

Furthermore, the invention refers to a carrier substrate with an imitation leather surface coating which comprises a priming layer in a priming hue, an intermediate layer in an intermediate layer hue, and a cover layer in a leather hue, the intermediate layer showing a torn grain structure and the priming layer or the intermediate layer a sponge-like structure into which part of the material of the cover layer has penetrated to a greater degree than in the respectively other layer. This creates a difference in coloration and glossiness, depending on whether the cover layer has been applied to the priming layer or to the intermediate layer.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to a drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a lacquer spray can set of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic layered structure of a carrier substrate with an imitation leather surface coating; and

FIG. 3 shows one spray head of the spray heads shown in FIG. 1, on an enlarged scale and partly in section.

The lacquer spray can set illustrated in FIG. 1 for producing an imitation leather surface consists of a first spray can 1 containing a priming lacquer, a second spray can 2 which contains an effect lacquer forming a grain structure, and a third spray can 3 containing a leather color lacquer.

The spray cans (aerosol cans) 1, 2, 3 consist of tinplate and have a filling capacity of 150 ml at an overall volume of 220 ml. They are approved and are operated according to TLG 300.

The valve, which is not shown in more detail, has a valve disk of tinplate with an Epon seal closing the can. A defined riser tube length with a calculated swell behavior permits the full use of the contents. A so-called side channel bore in the valve housing (VBH bore) ensures a constant supply of propellant (gas) also when the spray can is strongly inclined during spraying. It also prevents a clogging of the riser tube during storage. Nor is it not necessary to empty the can by overhead spraying after it has been used (in comparison with conventional valves). The propellant amount which is increased with the VBH bore upon exit is also responsible for a fine spray image and for the spray edge formation minimized thereby.

Underneath the plastic cap 4 each of the spray cans 1, 2, 3 has a spray head 5 shown in more detail in FIG. 3. Said special spray head 5 is a so-called area spray head and permits a spraying comparable with the work and spray image of a cup spray gun. It forms a fan-like spray jet which ensures a simple and very uniform lacquer application. To this end the spray head 5 comprises a special nozzle insert 6 which is made rotatable. At the nozzle exit end 7 an elevation 8 in the form of a circular section when viewed in cross-section is arranged and has a lens shape in cross-section when viewed from the front. This elevation distributes the spray jet in the manner of a fan. The main axis of the spray fan can be rotated by rotating the nozzle insert 6 so that depending on the user's preference and the object to be lacquered the spray direction of the spray jet can be oriented in a different direction. In the instant case the spray jet can be rotated by up to 90°.

Otherwise, the spray head 5 is formed like conventional known spray heads in spray cans.

All of the three spray heads 1, 2, 3 contain dimethyl ether (DME) in a gas/lacquer ratio of 45/55% by wt. (preferably between 40/60-50/50% by wt.) as a propellant (gas).

The priming lacquer contained in the first spray can 1 comprises:

acrylate as binder, esters and ketones as solvents, and inorganic pigments for coloration.

The priming lacquer shows high adhesion to very different surfaces, such as coated wood, glass, metal, plastics, such as PVC, ABS and PS. It shows rapid drying and is resistant to aging. Furthermore, it complies with DIN 53160 Parts 1 and 2 (saliva and sweat proof and with DIN EN 71 Part 3 (free from soluble heavy metals). For increasing the filling power the priming lacquer is provided with solids in a weight % amount of 36.5% by wt. (preferably between 30 and 30% by wt.).

The effect lacquer contained in the second spray can 2 comprises:

acrylate as binder, esters and ketones as solvents, inorganic pigments and silicic acid.

The inorganic color pigments are the same (identical color) as the inorganic pigments of the priming lacquer. The effect lacquer produces a grain structure in the drying process, whereby elevated lands and interposed grain cracks are created that imitate a leather surface in their structure. The formation of said structure is due to rapid drying and enhanced surface tension. In the drying process silicic acid produces a sponge-like structure, whereby the effect lacquer after drying shows a different tendency to coloration than the priming lacquer. The reason is that on account of the sponge-like structure the tendency to coloration is lower and thus the color absorption power greater. Hence, a greater amount of leather color lacquer was used for producing the same color intensity as on the priming lacquer. Furthermore, the effect lacquer complies with DIN 53160 Parts 1 and 2 (saliva and sweat proof) and DIN EN 71 Part 3 (free from soluble heavy metals).

The leather color lacquer contained in the third spray can 3 comprises:

nitrocellulose as binder, esters and ketones as solvents, and soluble dyes for coloration.

Furthermore, the leather color lacquer complies with DIN 53160 Parts 1 and 2 (saliva and sweat proof) and DIN EN 71 Part 3 (free from soluble heavy metals).

The use of the lacquer spray can set will now be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 2.

A priming lacquer layer 10 is applied to a carrier substrate 9, e.g. a mobile phone housing of plastics, by means of the first spray can 1. The carrier substrate 9 is preferably sprayed at with the priming lacquer at a distance of about 30 cm. The priming lacquer has very short intermediate drying times so that several layers can be applied at relatively short distances. This is important in the case of vertical surfaces and for a fast final result.

After the priming lacquer layer 10 has dried, an effect lacquer layer 11 is applied by means of the second spray can 2. This layer forms a directed land-like structure during airing/drying, said structure being optically very close to a leather surface. The formation of the structure is based on the rapid drying of the effect lacquer layer and an increased surface tension. Apart from the elevated lands 12, cracks 13 of a cracked grain are formed, on which the effect lacquer layer 11 is interrupted and the priming lacquer layer 10 can be seen. The produced grain itself is dominated by the priming operation, i.e. by the lacquer amount and layer thickness that has been sprayed on for producing the priming lacquer layer 10, for the priming lacquer layer and the effect lacquer layer 11 have different expansion properties.

After the effect lacquer layer 11 has dried, a leather lacquer layer 14 is applied by means of the third spray can 3. The leather lacquer layer 14 shows differences in the type and power of coloration. On the one hand, the intensity of the coloration can be controlled by the frequency of application and, on the other hand, the penetration behavior is opposite with respect to the priming lacquer layer 10 and the effect lacquer layer 11. This means that the priming lacquer layer in the area of the cracks 13 shows a smaller absorption capacity (greater tendency to coloration) with respect to the leather lacquer. Hence, the coloration is more intensive because greater layer thicknesses are achieved. Moreover, an enhanced glossiness is ensured. The lands 12 of the effect lacquer layer 11 behave like a sponge due to the silicic acid. The lands 12 absorb the color more strongly. This ensures a color difference with respect to the coloration of the cracks 13 and the gloss is also different by comparison.

The careful matching of the constituents of the individual spray cans 1, 2 and 3 and the easy handling permit a rapid application of an imitation leather surface that is also easy for inexperienced persons. Such a matching permits a controlled coloration of the formed imitation leather surface and shows a contrast behavior in color depth and glossiness due to the different coloration power of lands 12 and cracks 13. This gives the surface its particular naturalness. 

1. A lacquer spray can set for producing an imitation leather surface, comprising a first spray can containing a priming lacquer, a second spray can containing an effect lacquer forming a grain structure, and a third spray can containing a leather color lacquer, wherein the priming lacquer and the effect lacquer in the dry state show a different tendency to coloration (different color absorption power) with respect to the leather color lacquer.
 2. The lacquer spray can set according to claim 1, wherein the priming lacquer in the dry state shows a greater tendency to coloration (lower color absorption power) with respect to the leather color lacquer than the effect lacquer.
 3. The lacquer spray can set according to claim 1, wherein the effect lacquer in the dry state shows a greater tendency to coloration (lower color absorption power) with respect to the leather color lacquer than the priming lacquer.
 4. The lacquer spray can set according to claim 2, wherein in that the priming lacquer or the effect lacquer contains silicic acid, particularly precipitated silicic acid.
 5. The lacquer spray can set according to claim 1, wherein in that the priming lacquer and the effect lacquer have the same color pigments of an identical color.
 6. The lacquer spray can set according to claim 1, wherein the priming lacquer and/or the effect lacquer comprise the following constituents: acrylate as binder, esters and ketones as solvents, and inorganic pigments for coloration.
 7. The lacquer spray can set according to claim 1, wherein the priming lacquer comprises 30-40% by wt. of solids.
 8. The lacquer spray can set according to claim 1, wherein the leather color lacquer comprises the following constituents: nitrocellulose as binder, ester and ketones as solvents, and soluble dyes for coloration.
 9. The lacquer spray can set according to claim 1, wherein the propellant (gas) is dimethyl ether.
 10. The lacquer spray can set according to claim 9, wherein the propellant/lacquer ratio is 40/60-50/50% by wt.
 11. The lacquer spray can set according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the spray cans comprises an area spray head for producing a fan-like spray jet.
 12. The lacquer spray can set according to claim 11, wherein the area spray head comprises an adjusting means for adjusting the fan-like spray jet.
 13. A carrier substrate with an imitation leather coating comprising a priming layer in a priming hue, an intermediate layer in an intermediate layer hue, and a cover layer in a leather hue, wherein the intermediate layer has a torn grain structure, and the priming layer or the intermediate layer has a sponge-like structure into which part of the material of the cover layer has penetrated to a greater degree than in the respectively other layer.
 14. The lacquer spray can set according to claim 10, wherein the propellant/lacquer ratio is 44/56-46/54% by wt. 